Titanic sails again in Orlando

After being left homeless when the Mercado shopping center was emptied and demolished, Titanic: The Experience has a new, permanent home in a prime location on I-Drive. Whether you're fascinated by the history of the doomed oceanliner or just a fan of the movie, you'll be impressed by the extensive collection of memorabilia, including relics from Titanic herself, and the recreations of the Grand Staircase, a typical first class stateroom, the promenade deck, and other areas of the ship.

The exhibit features over 200 artifacts and movie memorabilia from various Titanic films, such as "A Night to Remember,""The Search for Titanic," and of course 1997's blockbuster "Titanic."

You'll also get a chance to feel just how cold the icy waters felt to the doomed passengers and view an eight-foot replica of Titanic as she currently looks in her resting place at the bottom of the ocean.

Tours of the exhibit, which are offered hourly, are led by costumed "storytellers" who take on the persona of period characters. You may even meet a Titanic "celebrity" like Molly Brown and Captain Smith, and other characters.

 Titanic: The Experience is open daily at 9 a.m., with tours leaving every hour on the hour. An adult ticket costs $19.95 plus tax, and a children's ticket is $12.95 plus tax. Children two and under are free, and a senior ticket costs $18.95. If you are an active member of the military, ask about a special discount.

Interest in this exhibit is bound to rise as the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking rapidly approaches (it met its fate in April of 1912). If you're in the I-Drive tourist area and are looking for something educational, yet still enjoyable, amidst the theme park glitz and hustle, Titanic: The Experience might offer the perfect option.

This attraction is located at 7324 International Drive in Orlando, Florida, near the Universal area. Their phone number is 407-248-1166. You can find more information, inlcuding some fascinating video footage of Titanic to whet your appetite, at http://titanictheexperience.com

Want more ocean-based Orlando fun? Click here to read about my trip to SeaWorld.

Photos: Titanic: The Experience